Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

The Cascadia Cup brought us yet another brilliant rivalry on the field of green between the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders. This was the third time these sides have met during this MLS regular season, but it was the very first one in Portland. Well, the home-field advantage certainly counted as the Timbers were the victors by a score of 1-0.

Kalif Alhassan netted the only goal of the game, which arrived right at the brink of half time. Before and after that goal, the Sounders rocked the crossbar after two decently set up opportunities. Well, call it bad luck if you will, but the home side were the better overall throughout the 90-plus minutes.

Related: MLS: Portland vs. Seattle, Round 3

Besides the two shots that met the woodwork, the most sour moment of the game was when influential defensive midfielder Ozzie Alonso was ejected for elbowing Portland captain Will Johnson in the face. The move was absolutely unnecessary as his team was already down a goal, and the last thing they needed was to be down a man. Now, he will be missing the next match due to suspension. Good job there, bud.

To top off the horror, Seattle has now lost its third game in succession and this one occurred without Eddie Johnson, Brad Evans and Obafemi Martins, who are all arguably their most talented starters due to international duty. However, they should be back in time for the next game.

Even though they may not be winning the Supporter’s Shield, they could still easily make the playoffs, which will be a must as they themselves and their fans need the city of Seattle to be a part of the postseason action.

As for Portland, coach Caleb Porter is making wonders happen as he has led this team to its first ever postseason appearance. It may not be guaranteed as of yet, but they are all but in. They will add an excitement that we have not seen in a long time from that region.